The Gayles are not Mexican, but the mother wanted to expose her son to another culture. Kade's mother also learned from the experience.

"I didn't realize there was so much variety in the style of dress and dance," she said.

Elsa Garcia Pina, wanted her son to embrace dance. For years, her son Arturo performed traditional Mexican dance, but now he's evolved into hip-hop.

The 19-year-old Pina doesn't see the styles of dance as exact opposites. "It's a smooth transformation like A-to-Z," he said.

Elsa Pina, director of VISD Folklorico, said she also sees a connection and doesn't seem phased by his decision. "It's all good," she said.

Students can take the folklorico dance class for credit and get a good workout.

The Victoria YMCA Zumba class may be students, but they are not in school. They are learning to combine fitness with Latin flair.

"I have so much energy. I don't have stress anymore since taking the class," said Aurelia Perez. The two-year class veteran said she loves the Shakira moves, but she was a little nervous dancing in front of a big crowd.

Luckily, Perez had 24 other students backing her up on the stage for her first performance.

Zumba dance is Latino-style dance using salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and quebradita that mixes with fitness according to Rosalinsa Ramirez.